Unprepared, ill-equipped, and with no example to look back on, Ty and Chase embarked on a journey to build a family for Ava and Luc that would far exceed anything they dreamed of for themselves. Two years later, they’ve succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, but there’s still a couple of things missing…and they’re ready to make them happen.

Bad boy biker Trick wouldn’t hesitate to fight for those he loves, but Ty knows it will take more than violence to win this war. Willfully submissive Chase has the utmost faith in his Master, but when he sees Ty struggling with demons from his past, it will be his quiet, unbending support that will see them through. Jumping through the loopholes of family court, they are only one event shy of making it all official and neither are willing to wait another second to check it off the list.

Clearing the path for adoption should reassure them, but it will take their cast of well-meaning friends and the occasional slap upside the head before they realize that the ties that bind them together are forged in a love that can never be taken away.

The wedding hadn’t changed anything and yet he felt vastly different.

I am a huge Jessie G fan, so I will grab up any book she writes as soon as it drops. Jessie’s books are utter perfection and this one is no exception. I was so anxious to see where the road to adoption and marriage led Ty and Chase and I wasn’t disappointed. It was exactly as I had envisioned it and so so perfect.

Obviously this is a follow-up novella and shouldn’t be read as a stand alone. Some of my favorite men mad an appearance in this one and it’s always great to see them again.

Ty and Chase agreed that marriage and adoption went hand in hand. That’s how Ava and Luc saw it, and Ty and Chase were going to make that happen for them. When one of the stipulations of the adoption were that they already be married they had to find a way to do that without the kids feeling left out. Sneaking off for a private ceremony was so perfect (there’s that word again) for Ty and Chase.

The adoption itself made me want to cry happy tears, buckets of them. The happiness and the emotion poured off the page, I almost felt like I was being adopted (don’t I wish). The celebration after with the whole gang of merry men was just as it should have been. I can’t wait to see where these guys take us next.

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews
Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

TCO is so excited to bring you 12 Days of Kissmas. We have 12 of your favorite authors ahead over the coming days, bringing you beautiful pictures of men kissing that the authors have chosen themselves, along with exclusive posts, excerpts, and giveaways. The idea sprang from a conversation with an author that just turned into a “what if…”, and when I started asking a few authors, they immediately said they were in. Make sure you enter the giveaways, as there are lots of them! Thanks for stopping by, and a HUGE thank you to all the authors for their generosity, and loving spirit. Happy Holidays to everyone!

A month or so ago, Denise asked if I wanted to host a spot in her 12 Days of Kissmas event and I agreed. Unbeknownst to both of us, Chris and Owen were tired of waiting to get married and determined that I write them a Christmas wedding. Now I know what you’re thinking! This seems like too important an event for a slice of life scene…and you’d be right! I didn’t write a wedding scene for this final post in the #13Months13Scenes tour, I wrote a book.

Still with me? So…that big epic tease in the group, the one where Christina called me a bad word…yeah, she not only knew, she had the book in her hands! Who didn’t know? Poor Denise. I tortured her endlessly about my big project and held off sending the material as long as possible. It’s a wonder she’s still talking to me L Help me earn my way back in her good graces by commenting on how wonderful she is below.

Without further ado, the first chapter of Deciding on Forever, available NOW on Amazon and all retail outlets.

Happy Holidays!

Jessie G

What is it about those two words?

“Oh, wow, would you look at that?” The awe in that statement had Owen looking up from his sketch pad.

When they made their plans to fly to Colorado for a pre-Christmas vacation, Owen happily offered to take the aisle seat. He’d visited many times, during all seasons, and knew that first view of the Rockies was something Chris wouldn’t soon forget. Even though he expected it, seeing the wonder on that strong, handsome face infused Owen with a huge sense of accomplishment.

Making Chris happy and helping him experience all the things he’d missed was a purpose he never could have imagined before. Where he once wallowed in his own misery, holding it close while keeping the rest of the world at bay, Owen no longer allowed those thoughts to surface. After more than a year together, there was too much love and pure enjoyment of life that there just wasn’t room for all that negativity.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Owen asked as he watched Chris carefully.

Prior to their trip to New York, Chris had never been further north than Orlando. As first trips go, dropping him in the heart of Manhattan might have been a little unfair. The crowds, the noise, and constant sensory input had Chris on edge most of their trip. Short of another family gathering, he couldn’t imagine either of them wanting to relive that experience. Colorado couldn’t be more different and Owen really wanted Chris to love it as much as he did.

“The pictures don’t do it justice,” Chris agreed as he turned to look at him, gaze shining bright. “Thank you.”

That heartfelt gratitude made him duck his head. Two simple words shouldn’t embarrass him, but they did. What had he done to deserve them? Nothing. Not really. They’d planned the trip together, paid for it out of their joint bank account, and were equally responsible for making it happen. All he’d done differently was give up the window seat and he already knew Chris would make sure he got it on the return flight, so it wasn’t all that special.

A finger beneath his chin reminded him that hiding wasn’t an option, especially when Chris asked, “What is it about those two words that bothers you so much?”

Back at the start of their relationship, when they were acknowledging their feelings for one another, they agreed to make all their decisions together. That required communication. Chris was usually the one asking the questions and he had this focused way of listening that made Owen say things he would have normally kept inside. Like now.

With those dark eyes assuring him that he was safe and loved, Owen admitted, “I was just thinking…why are you thanking me? We did this together.”

“Exactly, and that’s why I’m thanking you,” Chris agreed as if it were obvious. “Do you think I ever would have done this for myself?”

Owen knew the answer was a resounding no and that it went deeper than the years lost in his step-father’s abuse or the events that followed. Adult Chris, free of the past and working to support himself, didn’t think about such luxuries as traveling or taking in a ballet. He focused on survival and taking care of others, and there was no room for anything else.

“This was the furthest thing from my mind and I know you believe I was missing out, but I like to think I was just waiting to experience it with you.” Chris leaned in for a tender kiss and whispered, “So, thank you.”

The appropriate response wasn’t any easier to get out the second time, though Owen attributed that to the lump in his throat. “You always say the right things.”

“It’s a gift.” Chris grinned and leaned in for another kiss, this time taking a nibble of his lower lip until he groaned.

Owen pushed him away for his own sanity and attempted a glare. It was hard to look stern when your heart was fluttering and your dick was hard, but he tried. “Let’s not get too full of ourselves, big guy. This plane isn’t equipped to handle your massive ego.”

Chris’s full laugh had several heads turning and that attention made Owen frown. Only a year and a half ago they were celebrating the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality and now, with the new election, they were facing the possibility of another battle to keep the rights they’d only recently won. In the current climate, they’d all noticed a new hostility in the air whenever they expressed even the slightest bit of public affection.

Being conscious of it didn’t mean they were willing to be swept back under the rug. If he wanted to hold Chris’s hand, kiss him on an airplane, or make him laugh like a loon, he damn well had that right. Anyone who had a problem with it could look the other way. If they didn’t, well, he didn’t want to be a fighter, but he would defend his right to love Chris.

“Ah, baby.” Chris sighed, reading his shift in moods easily. “The only one who’s given us a second glance is the brunette across the aisle that’s been making googly eyes at you.”

“Googly eyes?” Owen snorted out a laugh and tried to look, but Chris held him firm. “What the heck are those?”

“You know, batting her lashes and sighing. Can’t you hear the sighing?” Chris cocked his head as if he were listening hard. “There, she just did it again.”

Chris made a show of looking past him and shrugged. “Sure, I guess, if I wasn’t gay and engaged to this really hot guy.”

“Oh my god, are you guys here to get married?” The stewardess nearly skidded to a halt beside their row and beamed. “I’ve heard Colorado has some of the most beautiful spots for destination weddings. My fiancé and I were just talking about eloping someplace amazing like the Rocky Mountains. We have a ton of family and every time we try to whittle the guest list down to something we can afford, someone gets insulted.”

Without waiting for a response, she leaned on the seat in front of them, nearly knocking the guy’s hat off in the process, and shared, “We’re paying for the wedding ourselves and when we crunch the numbers, it just makes me sick inside. If you think about it, the money you’d spend on a big wedding could be the down payment on a house. My fiancé is worried I’ll regret it if I don’t get the frilly dress and all the trimmings, but you guys understand, don’t you? It’d be nice, but setting ourselves up right from the start would be nicer.”

“Sounds like you know what you want,” Chris said with an indulgent smile. “If you tell it to him just like that, I bet he’ll understand.”

“You’re sweet.” Again, she beamed that megawatt smile and when she sighed, it was all Owen could do not to laugh aloud. “So are you staying in Denver? Personally, we’d want to drive out to one of the little mountain towns, if we were going to do it. Something quaint and historic, with great views.”

“We’re driving up to Estes Park,” Owen said and could see she never heard of it. “It’s near Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s a quaint little town, an historic hotel, and unparalleled views—just like you wanted.” This produced another sigh and Owen almost felt bad for bursting her bubble. “But we’re not here to get marr…”

Chris took his hand and tugged, cutting off his denial and reminding him, “Someone once told me that Colorado was the perfect place to get married.”

Before Owen could respond, the tone to indicate the captain was about to speak sounded overhead and the stewardess pointed at them. “Get yourselves buckled in. We should be landing soon and I would hate for anything to happen to you before you said your vows.”

With that, she was gone, leaving Owen gaping at Chris. “Why did you let her think we were getting married here?”

“Because we are.” Chris made a point of checking his seat belt and nudged Owen to do the same before he said, “You told me that you always dreamt of getting married in Colorado.”

“Well, yes, but not like…I mean our whole family’s back in…Liam and Maddie would be furious…” Owen knew he was babbling like an idiot and every half-formed idea added another knot in his stomach. Even that wasn’t strong enough to quell the rush of excitement. “You don’t mean this trip, right? Just something to think about for the future. Right?”

Owen wasn’t sure if he wanted Chris to agree or not. Yeah, that was a lie. Now that the thought was in his head, he could absolutely see them eloping. They weren’t big on crowds, on being the center of attention, and neither of them needed the frilly dress or the trimmings. All they needed was each other, a Justice of the Peace, and maybe a snow-capped mountain in the background for it to be perfect.

“I know it’s not fall and we’re not going to your family’s house in Breckenridge, but—” Chris looked at him with so much love and longing that Owen felt his heart flutter all over again. “If the opportunity presented itself tomorrow, would that be far enough in the future?”

“Did you plan this?” Owen had to ask because he certainly wouldn’t put it past Chris to do something this amazingly romantic.

“I planned to convince you,” Chris admitted as he entwined their hands again. A little tug brought them together and Owen just knew whatever Chris said next was going to level him. “It’s been more than a year since we decided on forever, Owen, and I can’t think of a better Christmas gift than to make you my husband.”

The plane was just starting its descent when the first tear fell. As Chris reached up to gently brush them away, Owen grabbed his wrist and said, “Maddie and Liam will get over it.”

“Eventually,” Chris agreed with an unrepentant grin, and just like that, they were getting married.

Author’s Note
I hope you enjoyed the last installment of my #13months13scenes tour. I can’t believe it’s over. Or is it? Starting in January, I’ll be posting scenes based on reader prompts. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to know about my characters or see them do, email your prompt (with picture inspiration) to jessieg@jessiegbooks.com with the subject “Reader Prompt.”

Born into wealth and privilege, Colin Sinclair was raised on the knowledge that money could buy anything and everyone had a price. Trouble was no trouble at all, not when the money was there to sweep it under the rug. But those lessons, learned at the knee of his father, were going to be challenged in a way that would change Colin forever.

In middle class suburbia, Arnaud Dechene learned the value of hard work, focus, and dedication to a dream. He was well on his way to achieving it, the role of Premier, when he catches Colin’s eye. Rich snobs didn’t usually do it for him, but there was something about Colin that made him impossible to resist.

Despite being opposites in every way, falling into a relationship was surprisingly—and deceptively—easy, but Arnaud never lost sight of his dream and Colin had trouble accepting that he was second place to anything. When a stupid argument leads to a reckless act, the repercussions leave Arnaud fighting for his life and Colin paying with his own.

With a little meddling from an aging schemer and intentions that are more well-meaning than realistic, their paths will cross again. However, Colin and Arnaud aren’t the same men who loved with abandon. They are older and wiser, with a history that might be too big to overcome.

Fans of the series know revenge is a double-edged sword, forgiveness doesn’t always come easy, and forgetting is damn near impossible. But love…well, that may just conquer all.

When Denise asked me for an excerpt, she said she wanted a piece from when Colin sees Arnaud for the first time. Then she said ‘I don’t normally like YA, but you made me like it’ and I was like huh? YA, what? I don’t write YA! But, I guess, technically, the first four chapters of His Premier go back ten years when my MC’s were 16 and 17, making those four chapters YA. After that, it’s definitely all adult!

There was a delicate balance that came into play when writing this book. My first draft started in the present and heavily relied on flashbacks, and that just came off as confusing crap when I read it through. So I took most of the flashbacks and fleshed them out into full scenes that became the first four chapters of the book. To me, presenting them whole gives us a glimpse into the motivation behind this second chance romance. What exactly are they fighting for? I thought I knew, but having the full picture helped so much.

Colin and Arnaud’s first meeting was truly a life changing moment for both of them and I’m so glad Denise chose it as her excerpt.

So, without further nonsense from me, here’s an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 1 of His Premier.

Involuntarily, Colin’s gaze was drawn back to the dancer and his breath caught as he executed a series of flawless pirouettes across the stage. Each muscle seemed to flow into the next and the effect was stunning. The beauty he’d seen before wasn’t a trick of the light, it really did glow from within, and Colin knew that neither his family name nor their social standing would impress someone so vibrant.

His grandmother nudged him gently and teased, “Don’t look now, Colin, but I think you’ve been spotted.”

Colin hadn’t been able to stop looking, taking in every inch from the dark waves of hair all the way down to those flying feet, but he’d been trying to avoid staring at the dancer’s face. The mysteriously dark eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips came together in a way that might be considered delicate and feminine at first glance. Anyone smart enough to take a closer look would see the masculinity in the dancer’s face and form, though Colin imagined he spent most of his life being picked on for being a pretty boy by those too ignorant to see beneath the surface.

It was self-preservation that made him look anywhere else, but now he had no choice but to see that the dancer appeared to be looking right at him. There was excitement in that dark gaze, no doubt a lingering effect of the performance, but there was also interest there. Could that interest be directed at him? The room was filled with dancers, volunteers, family members, and other donors, and Colin immediately looked over his shoulder to see who he was really looking at. Most of the audience was looking in the general direction of the stage, but none really stood out as paying any more attention than the next.

“Do you think…?” Colin began as he faced forward again, the question trailing away in the wake of the obvious amusement on the dancer’s face. Normally, he didn’t like being the source of anyone’s amusement, but he was too enraptured by the hands gesturing for him to come down to the side of the stage to care.

“Me?” he mouthed, pointing to himself even though he felt foolish. He’d feel even more foolish if he went down there only to realize the dancer was gesturing to someone else.

Another amused smile and a brief nod were all the encouragement he needed to jump up and push his way out of the row. Once he was free, he forced himself to walk naturally. Appearing overeager would give the dancer power over him, something else his father warned against. Whatever might come of this little introduction, he had to maintain the upper hand.

When he reached the stage, he noticed the dancer had been stopped by someone with a clipboard. A quick hand signal asked him to wait. Though he wasn’t used to waiting on anyone, Colin shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall as casually as he could. The dancer was here for a reason and it wasn’t to meet him. Being understanding of that would only make him look good in the long term.

His patience was rewarded when the dancer jumped from the stage and crossed the distance between them, stepping closer than Colin was used to. Before he could offer his hand and a formal introduction, the dancer was demanding, “Did you love it? I mean…it’s only rehearsals, but you seemed really into the dance and I really wanted you to love it. Did you? Would you change anything? Oh man, my manners suck, don’t they? But I really, really want this, you know? For so long and…well, shit, man, I really wanted you to love it.”

The rush of words stopped abruptly as the dancer took a deep breath and Colin was completely entranced. So entranced that he forgot to play it cool. “I really, really loved it. It was perfect. You were perfect.”

Colin had never seen anyone look so happy, had never been the cause of anyone’s happiness before, and wished he knew more words to describe what he felt so he could continue to bask in that joy.

The dancer inched even closer and Colin could feel the heat coming off his vibrating body. “Really, really? You’re not just saying that cause you think I’m hot?”

“I’m not just saying that because I think you’re hot.” Too late, Colin realized the trap for what it was, but then the dancer was laughing and the sound was the sweetest thing he’d ever heard. “Fishing much?”

“I was totally fishing!” Unrepentant, the dancer laughed again and grabbed Colin up in a tight, sweaty hug. The people Colin knew shook hands, maybe offered the occasional pat on the back, but they did not hug someone within an inch of their lives. His own arms hung uselessly at his sides, uncertain what they were supposed to be doing.

Instead of being put off by Colin’s slow response, the dancer grabbed him by the wrists and guided his arms into position around an impossibly slender waist. Never in his life had anyone physically taken a hug from him, especially not a total stranger. Not even a hot one. He liked it.

No one writes emotionally damaged men in situations that are not a quick fix to alleviate quite like Jessie G. She manages quite often to take one moment in time and turn it into a lifetime of pain, loneliness, despair. Then the character likely will be just living day by day. Somehow she then manages to turn it into at least an HFN, if not my favorite, an HEA.

Colin is that type of man. He made one mistake, one many of us made at that same age without the dire consequences, and turned it into a lifetime of penance and remorse. Going from being rich and having it all, to the depths of grief, all while managing to still support the people who’ve been supportive for him since his release. He mourned his loss of love, yet felt he deserved no better.

What I enjoyed the most about this story was being allowed to read Colin’s healing, page by page. Jessie G did an amazing job with this. She didn’t allow Colin’s character to suddenly be okay with himself, with allowing himself to love again, or even his choices. Arnaud coming back into Colin’s life began the cycle of healing that Colin needed. Merely because Arnaud decided Colin had had long enough to wallow in his choices, he took the reins and pushed Colin to finally face him. The reader then watched Colin come back slowly to as healthy a human being as he could in the limited pages of the book. (I’ve already told Jessie she needs to write a follow up, which she “might” have already been planning.)

Arnaud lived his dreams, traveling, dancing for dignitaries on the grandest of stages. Yet in the end, he needed to find his way back to Miami, and Colin, to begin the next phase of his life. I loved that about him. He didn’t give up his dreams to be with the man he wanted. He lived them, waited patiently, and then pushed forward to bring new visions for himself and the life he wanted with Colin to life.

This was a beautiful love story about growing as a person, forging love despite harsh mistakes, and forgiving yourself even when it’s against what you believe you are worthy of. Their love never died, only Colin’s ability to believe he was good enough. He grew to believe that, as much as he could, therefore he allowed himself to love again. The reader can see that he has a long way to go, but with so much support and love behind him, he has a huge jumpstart.

I highly recommend you read the entire series first, although it can definitely be read as a stand alone. But your enjoyment of Colin’s transformation will be that much better. And a definite re-read! J

4.5 pieces of eye candy for me

TWO CHANCES TO WIN

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Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: To be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and counting, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.

Born into wealth and privilege, Colin Sinclair was raised on the knowledge that money could buy anything and everyone had a price. Trouble was no trouble at all, not when the money was there to sweep it under the rug. But those lessons, learned at the knee of his father, were going to be challenged in a way that would change Colin forever.

In middle class suburbia, Arnaud Dechene learned the value of hard work, focus, and dedication to a dream. He was well on his way to achieving it, the role of Premier, when he catches Colin’s eye. Rich snobs didn’t usually do it for him, but there was something about Colin that made him impossible to resist.

Despite being opposites in every way, falling into a relationship was surprisingly—and deceptively—easy, but Arnaud never lost sight of his dream and Colin had trouble accepting that he was second place to anything. When a stupid argument leads to a reckless act, the repercussions leave Arnaud fighting for his life and Colin paying with his own.

With a little meddling from an aging schemer and intentions that are more well-meaning than realistic, their paths will cross again. However, Colin and Arnaud aren’t the same men who loved with abandon. They are older and wiser, with a history that might be too big to overcome.

Fans of the series know revenge is a double-edged sword, forgiveness doesn’t always come easy, and forgetting is damn near impossible. But love…well, that may just conquer all.

“You’re looking a little green over there.” Arnaud shifted in his seat and looked at him seriously. “I kind of thought, hoped, that maybe we were ready. I think I’m ready. Are you?”

Ready? Colin spared a glance at the erection straining against the zipper of his slacks and then looked at Arnaud. “I want you, if that’s what you’re asking. Is that what you mean?”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Arnaud followed his gaze and licked his lips like he was anticipating getting a taste. That natural sensuality never failed to hit him right in the balls.

Were they actually going to do this? Another glance at his seductive passenger and Colin knew they were, but he didn’t just want to find a room and fuck. He wanted the romance and if that made him a sap, well he’d be a sap for Arnaud.

“I had a whole, uh, romantic night planned. Not that, I wouldn’t presume, but we can definitely, uh, add that.” In some circles, he was considered sophisticated, calm, and stoic. In Arnaud’s orbit, he was a stumbling, bumbling buffoon, and his soon-to-be lover smiled at him adoringly.

With a flutter of his eyelashes, Arnaud placed a hand over his heart and gave a dramatic sigh. “Why, Colin Sinclair, are you courting me?”

On anyone else, that practiced act would have annoyed him. Why he ate it up when Arnaud did it was just another question in the long list of things he found endearing about this one specific man. “I was definitely trying. How am I doing?”

All traces of teasing eased, replaced with that adoring look Colin was becoming addicted to. With another sigh, this one definitely heartfelt and real, Arnaud leaned in and kissed him gently on the cheek. How was that hot? Christ, this man just did it for him on all levels.

Right then, Colin knew he would do anything, jump through any hoops, and rearrange his whole life to be the man Arnaud Dechene, soon to be famous dancer, loved. “I think I’m falling in love with you too.”

Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: To be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and counting, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.

In memory of all the service men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Micah peered at Garrison over his coffee cup and blushed when those blue eyes met his knowingly. It was ridiculously early for him to be up, much less dressed and out of the house. He wasn’t a morning person by anyone’s standards and didn’t attempt to be even though Garrison was always up before dawn. That’s if he even slept. Almost a year after leaving the Marines, sleep remained elusive for his lover.

Garrison reached over and tucked a lock of blue hair behind his ear. Normally, the multicolored layers would be artfully spiked, but the day called for a more solemn appearance. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you leave the house like this. Not sure I like it either.”

That wasn’t what he was expecting. Garrison was always complimentary of his ever-changing appearance, but never more so than when he was stripped of all the products he used. “No?”

“No.” Garrison snagged his hand as he settled back in the booth, keeping them connected in a way that made his heart ache. The years they spent apart had left an indelible mark and had them seeking any little bit of contact whenever they were together. “I prefer this look to be just for me.”

The flush of pleasure spread through him like wildfire. God knew he loved Garrison with every cell in his body, but he was even more impossible to resist when he said things like that. “I just thought that my normal spikes weren’t really appropriate for where we’re going.”

Garrison’s eyebrows winged up in surprise. “Because the way you style your hair is somehow going to detract from the good work you’re doing? Or that the fallen will care one way or the other?”

Well, when he put it that way. “I just wanted to look respectable…or, at least, as respectable as someone covered in tattoos could look.”

That didn’t sound any better and now Garrison was frowning at him. “What’s really going on, baby?”

It wasn’t that what he said was a lie, he had toned down his appearance out of respect, but Garrison saw right through him. He was an easy read on a good day, but on only one cup of coffee and after being roused while it was still dark? Yeah, he had zero ability to deflect and he was worried enough that he gave up the pretense without a fight.

“Are you gonna be okay doing this? I mean, I could have gone by myself.” When Garrison smirked, Micah grumbled, “I do have an alarm on my phone that I’m perfectly capable of using. And you know I’ve done this before. It just…if it’s too much, you’ll tell me, right? We can leave anytime.”

“Micah.” Garrison breathed his name and leaned forward again, tugging as he did so they were that much closer. “Baby, I love that you worry over me, but I promise I’ll be just fine because I know how lucky I am. I’m alive, I’m whole, and I have a man who loves me like crazy. If it hurts to stand over the graves of my fallen brothers and sisters, then I only have to look at the pain on the faces of their loved ones to be grateful that I didn’t do that to you. If they can endure the loss, I can stand there and honor them.”

Micah blinked back tears and wished there wasn’t a table between them. He knew that Garrison struggled with the memories of the men and women he’d watched die in the heat of battle, the ones who came home broken—emotionally and physically—and even the role he’d played. His big heart mourned for every soldier, friend or foe, because Garrison believed those on the other side fought for the same reasons he did—a safer world. There were no winners in war, not when there were so many casualties on both sides.

“I do love you like crazy.” Micah reminded him multiple times a day and knew he’d be doing it for the rest of their lives.

Garrison brushed away his tears and closed the distance to steal a quick kiss. When he pulled back, his smirk said he’d reach his limit of heavy stuff. “I think I love you more.”

Understanding his lover as he did, Micah scrounged up a suitable scowl and demanded, “How do you figure that?”

“I risked my life waking you up early enough to stop here so you can have Nutella filled French toast. You’re not exactly friendly in the morning and this place will never be on the way to Lake Worth, no matter which way you tilt the map.” Garrison gave him a smug grin and dug into his own breakfast of eggs and potatoes.

Greenstreet Café in the Grove might be in the wrong direction, but the breakfast was worth the side trip. With a menu full of decadent delights like cinnamon roll pancakes and his favorite French toast, Micah could only scoff at Garrison’s less inspired selection.

“I concede that you did go above and beyond this morning,” Micah offered slowly, letting a little evil grin form on his face. “However, we wouldn’t have had to go out of our way if you had just made this for me at home. Just think of all the ways I could’ve shown my appreciation for your efforts if we weren’t so busy driving.”

Those blue eyes narrowed on him and he had to laugh. He might be an easy read, but Garrison’s libido had a hair trigger. “If you’re so eager to show your appreciation, there’s plenty of room in the truck and I have excellent focus.”

Having put that focus to the test with more than one mobile blow job, he couldn’t deny it. That didn’t mean he was sucking Garrison’s dick on the way to the cemetery. He was sure that was a violation of all rules of respectability and decorum and…shit, he didn’t know much about either, but he was really trying today.

The quiet request made him sigh. Micah knew it was going to be a long, emotional day. His lover was the strongest man he knew, but Garrison tended to hide his suffering because he didn’t want it to spill over into their relationship. It was something they worked on constantly and Micah was grateful that Garrison didn’t completely shut him out. Still, he worried that today would erase some of the progress they’d made. “Okay. Well, this is only the second year they’ve been able to do it at the South Florida National Cemetery and it’s not the same everywhere. I was at one in DC where they had a parade and speeches, another where they did the 21-gun salute…” Micah cleared his throat, not wanting to get choked up yet. “It’s good to see everyone remembering and honoring, but I’m not really big on the parades and speeches, you know? For me, it’s about walking from grave to grave and thanking each soldier. It’s taking the time to remember them by name, saying it out loud as you place the flag, showing gratitude…”

Despite his best attempts not to cry, Micah was just so grateful that no one would be placing a flag in front of Garrison’s grave today. Garrison was around the table before the first tear fell and Micah burrowed close. Neither cared if anyone was looking at them and Garrison didn’t try to shush him. They just held each other and remembered.

His gratitude extended to the soldiers in Garrison’s unit that had his back and to the other units who provided support, and to each branch of the military that worked together to keep each other alive. It extended to the soldiers who came before and paved the way, and to the one’s that would come after to continue the fight. Honoring them, saying their names, expressing his gratitude—it was such a small thing and they deserved so much more.

Finally, he lifted his head and let Garrison wipe away his tears. “You’re gonna be doing that a lot today.”

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created on 31 August 1949, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the U.S. Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army-, Navy-, Air Force-, Marine Corps- and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. The United States’ longest continuously running Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2016, Chattanooga celebrated the 67th year of the Armed Forces Day Parade. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in the month of May.

Author’s Note
I hope you enjoyed Memorial Day with Garrison & Micah in the sixth installment of my #13months13scenes tour. The guys from Sizzling Miami, Devils Pride MC, and The Forgotten Soldier series will be appearing on different blogs throughout 2016 with little slice of life moments like this.

As a secret agent for the DEA, Snake’s gone deep into Devils Pride MC with the hope of bringing down the head of Miami’s lucrative drug trade and finds himself saddled with the club’s volatile and secretive SA instead. Unfortunately, after years as partners doing shit neither of them wanted to do for reasons neither of them felt comfortable sharing, Snake considers Trick his best friend. Now he’ll do anything to repair the damage his own necessary lies did to their friendship because, while Trick may have walked away from the MC, Snake needs someone he trusts to have his back.

Meanwhile, Snake’s contact at the DEA has him tied up in knots. The sexy voice and inappropriate comments have him walking around with a permanent set of blue balls. Life undercover is lonely and he lives for every phone call, but his own personal Deep Throat is skittish about committing to a date once Snake returns to headquarters. As far as Snake’s concerned, they only have one shot to build something together and he’s not willing to waste it.

Greg knows he’s not Snake’s type, or anyone’s for that matter. Former love interests called him plain, chubby, and boring. More comfortable in his tech cave than with people, he’s a grade A nerd who isn’t exactly GQ material. Normally he would never be brave enough to flirt with anyone—much less the very hot and very dangerous ginger who’d been starring in his nightly fantasies—but Snake needed something to keep him from getting lost undercover. What started out as a helping hand quickly became an integral part of their relationship—if one could call a five year phone conversation a relationship—and Greg is terrified that once Snake’s sees the wizard behind the curtain, he’ll lose the only man he’s ever loved.

Now the DEA has called Snake home to plan the next stage of the mission, leaving Greg no more places to hide. When fantasy and reality collide, will it be everything Snake hopes for or everything Greg fears? The trick will be staying alive long enough to figure out the answer.

First, I want to thank you for hosting my guys and always being supportive of my work. When we talked about this book, I asked you for a prompt and I’ve been mulling it over ever since. You asked me what my starting point was and I really had to go way back to find the answer.

I’ve been honest in saying that as a child, reading was a chore. I was bored, uninspired, and would do anything not to do it. Then my aunt gave me a book that was no doubt far too mature and opened up my eyes to a whole world of genres. My love of reading seemed to grow overnight. I couldn’t get enough and I wanted to try everything, and with that love came ideas of my own.

I toyed with them, filling notebooks with half-formed ideas, but never getting to the end. Fast forward thirty years, two kids, two marriages, a career, and life later, I had never realized my dream of being a published writer. It was always “when I had time” or “after the kids are grown” or “it’s just a hobby, I’m not good enough.” I told myself that last one a lot until I wrote Past Hurts. Getting to the end and loving it, imperfections and all, pushed me to actually take the chance of doing something with it. Taking the first step was all it took and, knock on wood, the muse has been very good to me now that I’ve stopped ignoring her.

I now have nine books on the market in three series and have plotted out several more (see my newest family tree). I also want to explore paranormal and even crossover between MM and MF some point. I’ve limited myself for so long by putting off what I really wanted to do and refuse to write just one type of book for however long the muse continues to inspire me.

**Check out the updated Family Tree!

“That sexy voice and those incredible brains are a potent combination.” There was a sigh and a muffled groan, reminding Greg why they were talking at close to three in the morning. “Lucky for you, my ego’s big enough to handle the challenge.”

“Your ego or your dick?” Just saying it made his mouth water and he’d give anything to see it, touch it, taste it…

“Damn, Sunshine, you gonna groan like that when I’m shoving my big ego down your throat?” The rough dirty talk was more like the Gene he knew and loved.

Yeah, as hopeless as it was, there was no other word for the feelings that ran deep and true inside him. And it was hopeless. While not conventionally handsome, Gene was everything he could ever want in a man—tall, strong, rugged, smart, and deadly—and damn him for being a ginger to boot. The type of man who had no trouble finding a willing body to fuck. The type of man who would never look twice at an out of shape, curly-haired, glasses-wearing geek. But that was his secret and as long as Gene didn’t know exactly what he looked like, he was able to hold on to the fantasy for a little while longer.

“You know I will.” He was groaning again just thinking about getting his lips anywhere near Gene’s body. “I can feel you fisting my hair, holding me still while you make me take every inch.”

“Fuck yeah, I’d grab two fistfuls and fuck that dirty mouth the way it deserves,” Gene promised. “You want that, don’t you, Sunshine? To be manhandled until your throat is raw and your lips are swollen.”

Greg fisted his own aching cock, dragging his palm from balls to tip. What he wouldn’t give for that just once. “More than anything.”

There was no embarrassment as he reached for the long, thick vibrating dildo he’d already prepared in anticipation of this phone call. He wanted Gene too much to allow embarrassment to stop him from experiencing whatever he could with the man. “Tell me…tell me how you want me. On my back? On my knees?”

“On your back so I can see your face,” Gene purred and Greg felt his heart skip another beat. His dirtiest fantasies had nothing on phone sex with Gene. The real thing would probably kill him.

I adore Jessie’s Stories. I always devour them and then I’m sad because it’s over. I was really looking forward to Gene and Greg’s story and she did not disappoint me one bit.

Gene was always the loner and the badass. Being undercover for the DEA didn’t really give him any other choice. With this story, I get to see a whole new side to Gene. I loved seeing him brought to his knees by the love he had for Greg. Greg always felt like he wasn’t good enough for Gene. Being a hacker/nerd for the DEA, he was a lonely man himself as well. He hasn’t had very good luck with men throughout his life. Lots of bad experiences have pretty much killed his self esteem. It was nice to see his personal growth and how far he comes in being comfortable in his own skin.

I absolutely love getting to spend time with some of our very favorite past characters. The ongoing snark and humor between all of them makes for a damn good time. This story is packed with action, passion and hilarity that made me want more and more. Definitely can’t wait for the next installment.

5 pieces of eye candy from me.

Jessie G is an author that puts so much into her books. She spends the extra effort on research, gives back to her readers, and creates real people. Her characters are always flawed in some way, whether through circumstance or environment. Yet, the flaws she creates in those characters are often what appeal most to their future partner(s).

In Talk Dirty to Me, she created a character who is confident in his skills behind his computer, while nearly without self esteem in person. Greg sees himself as overweight, frumpy, and not in the same league as the gorgeous Snake, aka, Gene. To have a character with this type of personality is rare in this genre, where tone abs and muscle bound men abound. Although he and Snake had a healthy phone relationship, when it came time to actually show himself to the man of his dreams, Greg couldn’t help but try to hide himself away, at which point Snake put his foot down, showing Greg he wanted him just as he was.

The duo, along with a big crew of assistants, worked to take down what they could of the stronghold Snake had been investigating for years. And this is where Jessie absolutely shines as an author. The layers that she puts into her books are deeper than any author I’ve read in this genre. One simple comment made four books ago, may end up having a huge impact on how an incident is dealt with in the current book. Or she may set up what appears to be an innocent situation that will turn deadly or vital to the series, without anyone noticing. It is her true strength as an author, to create a world that is truly as complex as real life, and she brings it all around in this book, as she so often does. She ties off one or two loose ends from a previous book, yet leaves breadcrumbs along the way for the next two or three books, or even a different series.

Gene and Greg worked together by opposites attracting, but also by meeting each other’s emotional needs. Where one was lacking in skills or confidence, the other was able to pick up the slack. With the building of their relationship, you also were able to see the confidence increase in Greg as a person, his self esteem projecting not only in his work, but in his personality. There is a bonus scene that you have to read AFTER you read the book (here) that helps to see where Greg has become more confident in himself as a sex partner for Gene. Check it out, but only after you’ve read Talk Dirty to Me. (It’s NSFW!)

Great job by Jessie on this. 5 pieces of eye candy for me!

Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics, and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters, and series filled with families—biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.